Comparison of Microglial Activation in Severe Asthma and Healthy Controls
Eligible age
18–75 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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About this study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about how asthma influences brain function. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How airway inflammation in asthma affects the brain; and, * Whether airway inflammation in asthma is related to symptoms of depression and anxiety Over the course of 3 visits, participants will: * Complete questionnaires * Complete computer tasks * Undergo allergy skin test and breathing tests * Give two blood samples * Give a sputum sample * Complete brain imaging scans Researchers will compare results between participants with asthma, and participants who do not have asthma.
Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
- ✓ Individuals with no health concerns that might affect the outcome of the study
- ✓ Age 18-75 years of age
- ✓ Ability to tolerate a simulated MRI brain scanning session
- ✓ In the opinion of the investigator, capable and willing to grant written informed consent and cooperate with study procedures and requirements
- ✓ High-affinity TSPO-binding genotype. Mixed (high/low) binding-affinity genotype may be included at PIs discretion
- ✓ For participants with severe asthma:
- ✓ Physician diagnosis of asthma for at least six months prior to screening (can be determined at the discretion of an asthma/allergy physician member of the study team)
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Current smoker (defined as more than 0.5 pack per week for the past 6 months and any smoking within two weeks of study procedures) or has a smoking history exceeding 5 pack years within the last 10 years
- ✕ Currently receiving allergen immunotherapy unless on stable dose.
- ✕ Use of psychotropic medication that might affect function of neurocircuitry implicated in our hypotheses (at the discretion of the PI/Co-I)
- ✕ Inability to hold medications detailed in the medication hold schedule
- ✕ Needle phobia or claustrophobia
- ✕ Major health problems such any of the following in the last 6 months: stroke/TIA, myocardial Infarction, stent placement, or acute coronary syndrome are definitively exclusionary. Decisions regarding other major health problems, such as autoimmune disease, history of carotid stenosis, heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, lung diseases other than asthma, history of significant arrhythmias, etc. will be based upon the judgement of the PI/Co-I.
- ✕ Use of biologic medication that might affect signaling pathways under investigation (at the discretion of the PI/Co-I)
- ✕ Pre-existing chronic infectious disease
Where it's recruiting
Madison
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06299592 · last updated 2026-06-01